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Primary Documents - Friedrich Ebert on the First Post-Imperial German Government, 10-17 November 1918

With Germany actively
seeking an armistice and revolution threatening, calls for
Kaiser
Wilhelm II to abdicate grew in intensity. Wilhelm was
himself deeply reluctant to make such a sacrifice, instead expressing a
preference to lead his armies back into Germany from the Western Front.
Upon being informed by his military advisers that the army could not be
relied upon not to harm him
Wilhelm abandoned the notion.

Having instigated the
Kaiser's abdication Prince Max resigned, handing power to incoming
Chancellor
Friedrich Ebert who, in statements issued on 10 November and 17
November,
appealed for public calm and reassured the German public that the
incoming government would be "a government of the people"
(reproduced below).

Friedrich Ebert on the
First Post-Imperial German Government

Statement of 10 November 1918

Citizens:

The ex-Chancellor, Prince
Max of Baden, in agreement with all the Secretaries of State, has handed
over to me the task of liquidating his affairs as Chancellor.

I am on the point of
forming a new Government in accord with the various parties, and will keep
public opinion freely informed of the course of events.

The new Government will be
a Government of the people. It must make every effort to secure in the
quickest possible time peace for the German people and consolidate the
liberty which they have won.

The new Government has
taken charge of the administration, to preserve the German people from civil
war and famine and to accomplish their legitimate claim to autonomy.
The Government can solve this problem only if all the officials in town and
country will help.

I know it will be difficult
for some to work with the new men who have taken charge of the empire, but I
appeal to their love of the people. Lack of organization would in this
heavy time mean anarchy in Germany and the surrender of the country to
tremendous misery. Therefore, help your native country with fearless,
indefatigable work for the future, every one at his post.

I demand every one's
support in the hard task awaiting us. You know how seriously the war
has menaced the provisioning of the people, which is the first condition of
the people's existence.

The political
transformation should not trouble the people. The food supply is the
first duty of all, whether in town or country, and they should not
embarrass, but rather aid, the production of food supplies and their
transport to the towns.

Food shortage signifies
pillage and robbery, with great misery. The poorest will suffer the
most, and the industrial worker will be affected hardest. All who
illicitly lay hands on food supplies or other supplies of prime necessity or
the means of transport necessary for their distribution will be guilty in
the highest degree toward the community.

I ask you immediately to
leave the streets and remain orderly and calm.

Statement of 17 November
1918

First, we do not intend to
confiscate any bank or savings bank deposits nor any sums in cash or
banknotes or other valuable papers deposited in the bank safes.

Secondly, we do not intend
to cancel any subscriptions to the Ninth War Loan, or any other war loan, or
in any other way to impair the legitimacy of those loans. The
Government, however, is determined to enforce the strictest measures that
large fortunes and great incomes shall contribute appropriately toward the
public expense.

Thirdly, salaries,
pensions, and other claims on the State, held by officials, employees,
officers, wounded and other soldiers and their relatives, will remain
absolutely valid.